"I have witnessed the growth and maturity of the heritage area movement and of individual areas, and am convinced of their effectiveness. They strengthen, complement, and support units of the national park system in a variety of collaborative efforts...

Heritage Areas are places where small investments pay huge dividends, providing demonstrable benefits in communities across the country and in partnership with our national parks."

The National Park Service commemorates the 1984 establishment of the first National Heritage Area in the country. On August 24, 1984, President Reagan signed into law the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Act.

Visionary leaders sought to unite the 96-mile canal corridor, not as a National Park Unit, but as a National Heritage Area, preserving a large landscape focused on historic, cultural and natural sites, as well as active roadways, businesses, and residential and industrial districts.

The National Heritage Areas approach – a large-landscape that includes active communities, a multidisciplinary emphasis, and community-based coordination – was ground-breaking in the 1980s and it is to this day.

Across the country, National Heritage Areas and their partners are reviving historic downtowns, preserving battlefields and industrial sites, and telling our nation’s history in innovative ways. Learn more

Healthy Environment

Marvel at our National Heritage Area scenes — from dramatic coasts to faraway treetops to revived urban waterways. Conservation activities led by National Heritage Area entities and their partners improve air and water quality and support a healthy ecosystem and beautiful environment. More here

Adventure & Excitement

A plethora of recreational adventures are waiting to be had in a National Heritage Area near you. Last year alone over 130 recreational projects were undertaken by National Heritage Area entities and their partners. Learn more

Educating Future Leaders

Through programs, such as El Espejo, National Heritage Areas and their partners are educating future leaders in history, science, and technology. More here